National Assembly Is Not for Idleness, Says Reps Hopeful

Former Chairman of the Kwara State Geographic Information Service (KwGIS), Akintade AbdulMutalib Shittu, has said legislative office at the National Assembly is not meant for passive participation. He insisted that lawmakers must actively engage the system to deliver tangible benefits to their constituencies. Shittu, who is vying for the House of Representatives seat for Offa/Oyun/Ifelodun […]

Former Chairman of the Kwara State Geographic Information Service (KwGIS), Akintade AbdulMutalib Shittu, has said legislative office at the National Assembly is not meant for passive participation.

He insisted that lawmakers must actively engage the system to deliver tangible benefits to their constituencies.

Shittu, who is vying for the House of Representatives seat for Offa/Oyun/Ifelodun Federal Constituency under the All Progressives Congress (APC), stated this during his declaration of intention for the 2027 general elections in Offa.

He said effective representation requires a deep understanding of legislative processes, strategic engagement, and deliberate efforts to attract development projects and opportunities to one’s constituency.

“You don’t go to the National Assembly to sit idly. You must understand the system, engage strategically, and ensure your constituency benefits from available opportunities,” he said.

The APC hopeful said his experience in public service and policy formulation had prepared him for the demands of national legislation, adding that he had been part of processes that shaped key laws in Kwara State.

He referenced his involvement in the development of legal and institutional frameworks, including the establishment of KwGIS and reforms in land administration and urban planning.

According to him, representation must go beyond visibility at plenary sessions to active lobbying and policy negotiation that translate into development for constituents.

Shittu pledged to focus on improving livelihoods and ensuring equitable development across Offa, Oyun and Ifelodun local government areas if elected.

He also used the occasion to express confidence in the APC ahead of the 2027 elections, citing ‘improved governance performance at both state and federal levels’.

He praised the administration of Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, particularly in salary administration and social intervention programmes.

“This government has been consistent in paying salaries on time. It has also strengthened the social safety net through KWASSIP with Owo Arugbo and Owo Isowo,” he said.

At the federal level, Shittu praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s economic reforms, arguing that increased allocations to states had improved governance capacity nationwide.

He also referenced federal initiatives such as NELFUND and other credit support schemes as evidence of ongoing reforms under the APC-led administration.

Shittu said these developments were strengthening public confidence in the ruling party ahead of the 2027 general elections.

“We already have indicators of APC’s victory in 2027,” he said.

He added that, in his view, Nigerians would renew the mandate of President Tinubu based on the direction of ongoing reforms.

Party stakeholders at the event called for unity within the constituency, urging aspirants to respect internal processes as the race for the APC ticket gathers momentum.

Offa ward chairman, Alhaji Oyediran Layi, appealed for support for Shittu’s aspiration, describing him as a candidate with strong community roots and a track record of contribution to development.

He expressed confidence that the aspirant would deliver effective representation if given the mandate.